There is a crisis evolving because of over-fishing. Some predict that at current levels, all major fish stocks will have collapsed by 2050. In this compelling and meticulously researched book, Professor Callum Roberts provides a fascinating account of man's relationship with the sea, giving particular emphasis to the errors of fishing practices in the past, and starkly predicting the troubles of the future. "The Unnatural History of the Sea" is an impassioned yet engaging plea to recover the richness and diversity of marine life to ensure a healthy marine world for future generations.
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Washington Post Book World critic Jonathan Yardley lists "The Unnatural History of the Sea" as one of his top ten best books of this year: "[Callum Roberts's book is invaluable, not to mention deeply disturbing."
--Jonathan Yardley "Washington Post " --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
--Jonathan Yardley "Washington Post " --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Callum Roberts is Professor of Marine Conservation, Environment Department, University of York. He has spent most of his career studying the effects of fishing on marine life and seeking ways to improve ocean management. A prolific writer, he has co-authored four books and published over seventy research papers. He has also advised the US, British and Caribbean governments on the creation of marine reserves.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was initially put off picking this book up by the fact that it has a commendation from Greenpeace on the front cover. However it is well researched and wonderfully written with the authors own easy style interspersed with quotations from various well chosen historical sources. He really manages to bring home how much we have changed our marine environment through over-exploitation of its natural resources (fish, whales etc).
I have some issues with the suggestion by the author that management of the ocean is currently split between Marine Reserves (0.6%) and what he calls an "Extensive Exploitation Area" (the rest). Much of this area I am sure could be regarded as Managed Zones (or perhaps "not very well managed zones"). His suggestions for the future management of the sea concur with those of the green fin brigade who think that we need to completely ban fishing from most of the ocean. Many others would suggest that what we really need to do is ensure effective management over all of the ocean in a manner that works with fishermen rather than against them.
I found this to be a really well written and informative book. If you are at all interested in the sea and marine life you should read it.
I have some issues with the suggestion by the author that management of the ocean is currently split between Marine Reserves (0.6%) and what he calls an "Extensive Exploitation Area" (the rest). Much of this area I am sure could be regarded as Managed Zones (or perhaps "not very well managed zones"). His suggestions for the future management of the sea concur with those of the green fin brigade who think that we need to completely ban fishing from most of the ocean. Many others would suggest that what we really need to do is ensure effective management over all of the ocean in a manner that works with fishermen rather than against them.
I found this to be a really well written and informative book. If you are at all interested in the sea and marine life you should read it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Sarah
Format:Paperback
This is a fabulous book. A real eye-opener about the state of our seas today. The author has delved deep into historic records to build a detailed picture of the sheer scale of over-exploition of the sea and the concept of shifting baselines, where each successive generation perceives population levels in their environment against recent trends, rather than against historic levels. I truly recommend this book to everyone.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I came to this book after reading Sylvia Earle's books on Sea Change and Why the Planet is Blue....no guilt about plugging these at the same time. Eminently readable and full of historical flash back, putting the present era within the longer perspective. Callum Roberts also features in the DVD The End of the Line, and his cheery smiling face contrasts chillingly with and commensurately increases the import of his message. This book is a must read for all interested in marine life, the future of the oceans and the essential food chain within in. Fish are the basic food of a large proportion of the population of the planet; without fish the food crisis will enter nuclear proportions. The impact of factory fishing cannot be overstated - as a diver I'm always shocked when I enter the waters around the UK (Wales,usually) as I always feel 'something is missing'...it's the fish!! And not only the fish but the variety of life underwater....oh, and the startling increase in jellyfish. Can we eat these? And when you've read this, buy his next book, published this year - 'Ocean of Life'. I promise you if you have any capacity for reason you will listen to the science and concur that we need to act now. Informative and inspiring.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fact-packed and graphic, with a glimmer of beauteous potential
It's a very fact and eyewitness-account-filled book, but it ultimately paints a vivid picture. Roberts aims to expand the baseline back towards the dawn of commercial fishing, and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Brian Griffith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Scholarly, important and highly readable
Callum Roberts is an eminent marine biologist. Amongst his areas of interest is the history of human exploitation of the sea's resources, particularly through fishing. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mr Green
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everybody should be made aware of the key points
This book should be made into film so that as many people as possible can understand its key message. Alternatively a half page summary should be broadcast to the world. Read more
Published on 5 Dec 2010 by Ian Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars
The tale and the facts backing it up are crushing
The tale and the facts backing it up are crushing.
I was overwhelmed by the numbers, the tonnage of animals that are estimated to have been taken . Read more
I was overwhelmed by the numbers, the tonnage of animals that are estimated to have been taken . Read more
Published on 18 Jun 2009 by David Murphy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great background for a great perspective
Professor Callum Roberts explains how past greed and obtuse fishing methods have restructured the entire ocean. Read more
Published on 15 May 2009 by Mr. MJ Wear
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Actually I listened to it as a audiobook, but the book is used to check facts. Very good to read (listen to) and mind bogging. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2009 by Hellmuth Christian Stuven
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shifting baselines
This book is about the sea, but the same story could be told for mans exploitation of the land ecosystems. Only the inpoverishment occured earlier on land (Martin & Klein 1984). Read more
Published on 29 Sep 2008 by Henrik Lundsgart
5.0 out of 5 stars
read this book
You live on an island don't you ?
READ THIS BOOK !!
READ THIS BOOK !!
Published on 30 July 2008 by Gongoozler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Disappearing act
The problem with the oceans is that you can't see what's going on down there. Foresters can count trees, birdwatchers have "life lists", but fishery managers can only weigh a catch... Read more
Published on 4 Feb 2008 by Stephen A. Haines
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